Troy Locksmiths Service Team
Local locksmith team
May 25, 2026 3 min read
Moving into a home on Knox Abbott Drive or anywhere else in Cayce feels like a fresh start — but one thing most new homeowners overlook in the excitement is the question of who else might still have a key. Former owners, their relatives, contractors, real estate agents, and neighbors could all have copies floating around, and there is no practical way to track them all down. Changing your locks is not paranoia; it is basic ownership logic, and the only real question is whether you need to rekey what is already there or replace the hardware entirely.
This guide walks you through exactly how to make that call — what rekeying actually does, when it is the smarter move, when full replacement is the right answer, and how factors like your existing lock type (including whether you have a mortise lock) affect the decision. Whether you are a first-time buyer in the Cayce Terrace neighborhood or upgrading a rental that changed hands, read this before you do anything else with those front-door keys.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a locksmith before hiring them to rekey or replace locks in my new home?+
Ask how long they have worked in the local area, whether they carry insurance, what experience they have with your specific lock type (especially if you have a mortise lock or an older door knob lock system), and whether they will confirm an exact price before starting work. A straightforward, experienced locksmith will answer all of these without hesitation and will never ask you to commit before you know the full cost.
How much does it cost to hire a locksmith for a lock rekey or replacement in Cayce?+
There is no universal price because several factors shape the final quote: the type of lock involved (a standard deadbolt, a door knob lock, and a full mortise lock each involve different labor and parts), how many doors you need serviced, the hardware grade you select, the time of day, and your location within our service area. What we commit to at Troy Locksmiths is a clear, up-front price confirmed before any work begins — no surprise charges. Call (803) 599-2095 for a specific assessment of your situation.
What is the violent crime rate in Cayce, South Carolina, and should it affect my lock decisions?+
Cayce is generally considered a quieter community within the greater Columbia metro area, though like any city it has pockets with higher property crime activity. The Cayce Police Department publishes annual crime statistics publicly, and reviewing those for your specific street or neighborhood is a useful exercise. Regardless of the exact numbers, moving into any home — in any city — with an unknown key history is a meaningful security gap. Whether you rekey or fully replace, closing that gap on day one is simply good practice, not an overreaction.
What do I do if I get locked out of my house during the moving process?+
First, stay calm and methodically check every other entry point: back door, side door, and garage access. Call anyone who might have been given a spare key — your real estate agent sometimes holds one briefly during closing. If none of that works, call a qualified locksmith rather than attempting to force entry yourself, which risks door and lock damage. Troy Locksmiths responds to lockouts across Cayce around the clock, so no matter what time it happens, you are covered. Have your ID and proof of address or purchase paperwork ready, as any reputable locksmith will verify ownership before opening a residence.
